Crime show inspired Malad woman’s killers

The two minors arrested on Monday for murdering 64-year-old Sarla Patel last Friday thought they had committed a perfect crime, which they had meticulously planned for over a month.

The duo — both 17 years old — got its inspiration from a popular crime show on television. “Such was their overconfidence that they did not even consider fleeing after committing the crime. They thought the police would never be able to pinpoint their involvement in the murder,” said Jaywant Hargude, assistant commissioner of police (crime branch).

The police said that the boys had been reading newspaper articles on robbery-related killings of senior citizens and had assumed Patel's murder would pass off as just another instance of the spate.

Patil’s grandson, the main accused and the one who masterminded the murder, thought his grandmother was the softest target. Besides, he knew she had lots of cash and ornaments at her house, which he could steal to fulfil his dream of owning a high-end bike. “He then roped in his childhood friend, who was well aware of his intention all along,” Hargude said.

"The boys had not anticipated that the police will question them as part of routine interrogation, and since they are not hardened criminals, Patil's grandson broke down and confessed," Hargude said.

The duo was produced in the juvenile court on Tuesday and has been remanded in judicial custody for a day. The police have recovered cash and valuables worth Rs 5.14 lakh from them.

Meanwhile, the parents of the two boys are in a state of shock after hearing of their sons’ confessions and their description of how they committed the grisly crime.